October 5, 2009
I had been planning to re-visit this bar for a while now as I’d only been there in my pre-rating days but it never worked out, and since it’s closed it’s too late. Boooo. I’m rating it now as a reminder of what it once was.

Think of a lively neighbourhood bar and this place fit the bill. Walking distance from Davisville was a bonus. Our large group cordoned off the upstairs for a surprise 30th birthday party and a good time was had by all. Ambiance was interesting with a good music playing in a big space filled with small tables and chairs conducive to chattering and good overall vibes.The service was friendly and fairly quick for such a large group, and quite tolerant too. Beer selection was mediocre but good for trying local brews, all in fair shape. I believe we brought in the cake but there were finger munchies like veggies and wings and things. Overall, I preferred the Granite around the corner but this was a nice change of scenery.

September 7, 2009
This review relates to my visits in June of 2008, and was originally written for Beerintheevening. British style theme pub along Chef & Brewer lines. Wood panelling throughout. Decorated mirrors on some walls. Pub divided into several drinking areas with an enclosed street-level balcony for smokers. Comfortable volume of background music. Karaoke sessions on Thursdays and occasional folk music sessions hosted on some weekends.Friendly and knowledgeable staff. The food menu is varied and filling. I enjoyed a HUGE bowl of bison chilli for $10 during one session here. A varied range of other mains, starters and snacks - many with a Canadian touch. An anorexic could well arrive at 6pm and weigh out at 18 stones at closing time! Three hand pumps on the bar; one in use during the summer months with the remainder on at other times. Mill Street "Tankhouse Ale", non cask, slightly gassier than at REX bar. Ajax "Hop Addict" exquisite, also non-cask. DISCLAIMER: The previous reviewer states the pub is closed - PLEASE CHECK before planning a visit.

May 26, 2009
RIP - No longer open.

August 4, 2008
nice atmosphere, but i agree the wall to wall tvs are a little much. Nice selection of craft beer, and the hand pumps are a plus, but i dont think they know how to maintin them. Food is ok, run of the mill really, if you are in this part of town go for it, but do go out of your way for it.

May 16, 2008
Decent pub but could be so much more. On the plus side is a good selection of Ontario micros on tap and lots of interesting, tasty food choices (menu is pubby but with some interesting, less typical fare too). On the negative side the service is far too often slow and not particularly knowledgable about beer. And as noted elsewhere, casks ales often skunky. Still one of the better pub options in North Toronto.

April 1, 2008
Service can be slow, though it’s usually good enough. They always have a couple of micros on tap that I want. Food is better than typical pub grub - fish & chips are good, soup usually good, some pizzas, stuff for veggy-peoples, some interesting meats. Some food a bit pricey. Enjoyable place.

September 4, 2007
If you’ve seen Shaun of the Dead, this place will instantly remind you of The Winchester pub. It sure did for me. I like the decor, although the TVs are a bit distracting. The ale selection is alright, but nothing top notch. I was hoping to find more selection from Wellington (i.e. the imperial stout!), but most of the stuff on tap was lager-based. After informing me they were out of Weissbier, the waitress said "come on, Steam Whistle!" The chicken wings were cheap (it was Monday), but their suicidal sauce is mild at best. So don’t expect any heat out of their food. Service was exceptionally slow considering there were only two other tables besides ours there. But I will be going back sometime.

September 4, 2007 [ Updated September 5, 2007 ]
The Bow and Arrow is a pub in the English style, serving up to three Canadian cask ales (although availability often reduces this number). Service is friendly, and the food is decent, with an emphasis on Ontario produce. There is a small beer garden at the rear of the building. It can get loud in the evenings.

July 10, 2007 [ Updated July 11, 2007 ]
next to lcbo, quite convenient for a beer trip. it has a nice beer selection and an atomosphere that’s easy to be in. just enough service but no intrusion. i didn’t try the food, but they smell like typical bar food.

November 23, 2005
Nice place to kill a pint of Holy Smoke. Good selection without being overwhelming (I mean that it didn’t take a half hour to decide what to order). Nice unpretentious crowd. Comfortable place to watch sports or even chat with the wife (believe it or not!)